Action theory provides a theoretical framework for examining administrative behavior in a higher educational system. The specific problem with which this study is concerned is the relationship between parental identification, a selected aspect of early acculturation, and the managerial roles of community college administrators. The purposes of this investigation are twofold. The first is to determine the relationships between perceived parental identification and Theory X and Theory Y action frames of reference of administrators in a selected community college district. The second purpose is to determine Theory X and Theory Y action frames of reference based on (a) age, (b) sex, (c) method of succession, (d) type of administrative position, and (e) length of time in present position.